United, Continental stress merger benefits before Senate panel

The CEOs of Continental Airlines and United Airlines testified in the Senate on Thursday that their proposed merger would give consumers more options while providing workers with greater job security. "We must evolve to continue to be globally relevant," United CEO Glenn Tilton told a Senate panel, noting that "the status quo for this industry is clearly unacceptable." A representative of Consumers Union said mergers typically lead to higher prices and loss of air service. That position was refuted by Continental CEO Jeff Smisek, who said the combined airline would bring dozens of new destinations to customers, while both executives said the strength of low-cost carriers would help to ensure that fares remain competitive.